Geochemical Evaluation of Kaolin at Garin Papa and Environs in Darazo Local Government Area, Bauchi State

This work involves detailed geological mapping of the Garin Papa area to evaluate kaolin mineralization and assess the physical and chemical properties of the kaolin for economic purpose. Scout pitting was carried out followed by close grid pitting of an area measuring 250 x 250m square. Samples collected were subjected to geochemical analysis. The geological mapping revealed that the area is underlain by reddish sandstones and the lateritic horizons of the Kerri-Kerri Formation. Three kaolin horizons, the whitish; the pinkish and the reddish varieties were encountered. Major geochemical analysis shows that the silica and aluminium are enriched with average values of 43.69% and 38.2% respectively while other oxides are depleted (Soda = 0.15%, potash = 0.07%, lime = 0.42%, magnesia = 0.08%, iron = 0.75% and titanium oxide = 1.05%). The enrichment of silica and alumina coupled with depletion of other oxides indicated that the kaolin is of good quality which met the required standard outline by American element and can be utilized by manufacturing industries such as agriculture, pharmaceutical, chemical and metallurgical companies.